CITB SSSTS Course

Construction Supervisor Skills: Build the practical knowledge needed to supervise site activities safely, monitor standards and support a safer working environment.

Recognised CITB Qualification: Achieve a respected CITB Site Safety Plus certificate that is well known across the UK construction industry. 

Stronger Legal Awareness: Improve your understanding of health and safety law, site supervision duties and the importance of following safe systems of work.

Better Risk Control: Learn how risk assessments and method statements support safer planning, clearer communication and better control of site hazards.

Improved Communication And Leadership: Strengthen your ability to deliver inductions, toolbox talks and briefings, while stepping in when unsafe acts or conditions are identified.

Support For Career Progression: Position yourself more strongly for supervisory roles and create a clearer pathway towards further progression, including the Level 4 Site Supervision NVQ and the CSCS Gold Supervisor Card.

More Efficient And Compliant Sites: Better supervision helps improve standards, reduce avoidable issues and support safer, more productive project delivery.

The CITB SSSTS course is designed for people who are considering or already carrying out supervisory responsibilities on construction sites. It gives site supervisors a stronger understanding of how to manage health and safety in line with current legal responsibilities and their specific role. Candidates develop a clearer sense of accountability for the health, safety and welfare of the workforce, while recognising that a safe site is also more organised, efficient and productive. CITB says the course covers legal responsibilities, supervisory control, risk assessments, method statements, inductions, toolbox talks, monitoring and intervention when bad practice is found.

This course is ideal for site supervisors, forepersons, team leaders and chargehands who need to supervise work safely and understand their responsibilities on site.

Unit 1

1. Health and safety law

Purpose of health and safety legislation and the key legal requirements supervisors need to understand on site.

2. Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM)

How CDM supports health and safety management throughout construction projects.

3. Health and safety management systems

How supervisors contribute to developing, maintaining and monitoring site health and safety systems.

4. Risk assessments and method statements

Using risk assessments and method statements to support safe working practices.

5. Statutory inspections and checks

Key inspections and checks that support safe site operations.

6. Reporting accidents, injuries and ill health

Understanding how incidents, injuries and work-related ill health should be reported.

7. Leadership and worker engagement

The role of supervisors in setting standards, influencing behaviour and engaging the workforce.

Unit 2

1. Health and welfare of the workforce

Promoting welfare standards and protecting the workforce on site.

2. First aid and emergency procedures

Managing first aid provision and emergency arrangements.

3. Hazardous substances

Recognising and controlling risks from hazardous substances in construction.

4. Asbestos

Awareness of asbestos-related risks and legal controls.

5. Dust and fumes

Managing exposure to respiratory hazards on site.

6. Noise and vibration

Understanding the effects of noise and vibration and how to reduce exposure.

7. Manual handling

Principles of safe manual handling and reducing lifting-related risks.

Unit 3

1. Site set up and security

Important considerations when establishing and securing a construction site.

2. Fire prevention and control

Basic fire safety principles and site fire risk control.

3. Electricity

Electrical dangers and safe working practices around circuits, tools and equipment.

4. Plant and work equipment

Managing risks linked to plant, transport and work equipment.

5. Lifting operations and lifting equipment

Basic requirements for safe lifting operations, equipment and accessories.

Unit 4

1. Working at height

Principles for planning and supervising work at height safely.

2. Excavations

Key hazards and control measures associated with excavation work.

3. Underground and overhead services

Planning work around buried and overhead services.

4. Confined spaces

Main hazards and safety considerations for confined space work.

5. Temporary works

Awareness of temporary works duties and supervision responsibilities.

Unit 5

1. Environmental awareness

Promoting environmental awareness on construction sites.

2. Pollution

Preventing pollution through better site controls.

3. Waste materials

Managing waste properly to reduce environmental harm.

4. Nuisance

Reducing nuisance issues such as dust, noise and light.

The method of assessment is a one-step journey:

Step 1. Multiple Choice Exam

The examination is compulsory and consists of questions selected by CITB covering the full course content. Candidates must meet the required pass standard, including the safety-critical elements, in order to achieve the qualification.

What Is The CITB SSSTS Course?

The CITB SSSTS course is the Site Supervision Safety Training Scheme. It is designed for people who are considering or already working in a supervisory role on construction sites and focuses on health and safety responsibilities, safe supervision and legal compliance. 

How Long Does The CITB SSSTS Course Take?

The SSSTS course lasts two days, according to CITB. 

How Long Is The SSSTS Certificate Valid For?

The CITB SSSTS certificate is valid for five years. To remain certified, candidates need to complete the refresher before the expiry date; otherwise, the full course must be retaken. 

What Does The CITB SSSTS Course Cover?

The course covers areas such as health and safety law, supervisory responsibilities, risk assessments, method statements, inductions, toolbox talks, monitoring site activity and intervening when unsafe practice is found. 

Where Can I Take The SSSTS Course?

Acadame offers SSSTS courses in Stoke-on-Trent, Derby, Manchester and Liverpool. We can also deliver onsite nationwide, and through our wider delivery network we may be able to support local training options for employers across the UK.

Is SSSTS Right For Me Or Would SMSTS Be Better?

If you are supervising a team on site, SSSTS is often the right fit. If you have broader management responsibilities, such as planning, controlling projects or managing multiple supervisors, SMSTS may be the more suitable course.

Can SSSTS Help Me Progress Towards A Gold CSCS Card?

If you are already operating at supervisor level, the next step may be a Level 4 Site Supervision NVQ, which can support progression towards the CSCS Gold Supervisor Card.

Is CITB Funding Available For SSSTS?

CITB’s grants and funding rules changed from 8 January 2026, so eligibility and grant routes now depend on the timing and funding arrangement. Employers should check the latest CITB funding guidance before relying on older short course grant figures.